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Using TagSpaces with other users or on many devices

One of the most common questions we receive about TagSpaces is whether it supports file synchronization between devices.
Users often ask:

“I’ve just tagged hundreds of files on my laptop — how do I see the same tags on my tablet or desktop?”

Our philosophy is that TagSpaces doesn’t need its own sync feature.
Why? Because all metadata — including tags, colors, and descriptions — are stored directly in the file names or in accompanying sidecar files (located in the .ts folders).
That means your tagging information travels with your files.

If you synchronize or share your files using existing tools, the tags go with them automatically.
This design avoids vendor lock-in and ensures your tags remain portable, transparent, and under your control — even outside TagSpaces.

Most other tagging apps use an internal database for storing tags, which makes migration difficult and locks your metadata behind a proprietary format.
In contrast, TagSpaces lets you retain ownership of your tagging data — forever.

Using shared network folders​

The simplest way to collaborate or use TagSpaces across multiple devices is to work from a shared network folder — for example, a file share on your LAN or NAS. You just have to connect the shared network folder or drive as location in TagSpaces.

Using TagSpaces with shared network folders

On Windows, you can mount a shared network folder as a drive with a specific letter using a command like this:

mount \\ServerIP\ShareName Y:

tip

This is the recommended method for connecting a network location in TagSpaces, as it provides a stable and consistent path. Alternatively, you can also use the direct UNC path (\ServerIP\ShareName), which should work as well.

✅ Advantages

  • Easy to set up within a home or office network
  • Multiple users can view and edit tagged files simultaneously
  • All metadata (file names and sidecar files) remain consistent

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Usually not exposed to the internet without a VPN
  • Not accessible from TagSpaces Web or mobile apps, since they work with object storage only

This setup works great for small local teams or households sharing a single network drive.

Using cloud sync services​

For most users, the easiest cross-device setup is to use a standard cloud sync service such as:

These tools automatically synchronize files — and thus your TagSpaces tags — across all your devices (Windows, macOS, Linux). You can even access the same files through TagSpaces Web if the service exposes S3-compatible access or if you use local sync clients.

Using TagSpaces with shared network folders

✅ Advantages

  • Simple setup with desktop apps
  • Real-time synchronization
  • Reliable and well-supported

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Your data is stored on third-party cloud servers
  • Limited control over privacy depending on provider

If you value convenience and cross-device consistency, this is the most seamless option.

Using p2p sync services​

If you prefer to stay cloud-free but still want automatic synchronization, try peer-to-peer sync tools such as:

Using TagSpaces with peer to peer synced folders

✅ Advantages

  • Your files never leave your trusted devices
  • End-to-end encrypted and decentralized
  • Works great for local networks and private sharing setups

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Slightly more complex setup than cloud sync
  • Not always ideal for users without always-on devices

This approach combines privacy with convenient sync, ideal for power users and privacy advocates.

Using object storage on the internet​

If you prefer a modern cloud architecture or want to use TagSpaces Web on mobile devices, consider using S3-compatible object storage. TagSpaces Pro supports connecting such storage as locations. Common services include: Amazon S3, Contabo Object Storage or Cloudflare R2.

Each of these can be connected directly to TagSpaces through its “Object Storage” location type. See our dedicated tutorials for setup details:

Using TagSpaces with S3 services

✅ Advantages

  • Accessible globally and ideal for remote collaboration
  • Compatible with TagSpaces Web and mobile
  • Scalable and backed by reliable infrastructure

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Typically involves some setup and credential management
  • May incur cloud storage costs

Using local object storage on your NAS​

If you prefer self-hosting or need a private cloud, you can run your own S3-compatible storage locally on a NAS or server.

Popular self-hosted object storage options include:

  • MinIO – Lightweight and easy to deploy
  • S3Proxy – Converts local filesystems into an S3 API
  • Garage – Distributed, open-source storage

These can all be connected as S3 locations in TagSpaces, just like cloud providers — but under your full control.

✅ Advantages

  • 100% self-hosted and private
  • Ideal for home servers or offices with NAS devices
  • Full control over performance, backups, and security

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Requires some technical setup
  • Remote access might need VPN or port forwarding

Using locally synced object storage​

If you want both cloud storage and local file access, tools like Mountain Duck can sync S3-compatible storage as a local folder.

This means TagSpaces interacts with files locally, while Mountain Duck keeps them in sync with your cloud storage in the background.

✅ Advantages

  • Full offline access and quick local performance
  • Seamless integration with cloud backups
  • Works with any S3-compatible service

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Requires a paid license for Mountain Duck (or similar tools)
  • Slightly higher resource usage when syncing large datasets

This setup is perfect for users who want reliable backups, cloud redundancy, and fast local editing.

Using encryption with Cryptomator​

For end-to-end encryption, you can layer Cryptomator on top of your chosen sync or storage setup. Cryptomator creates an encrypted vault that can be opened locally, synced via cloud or peer-to-peer, and used directly with TagSpaces.

Check our detailed setup guide: 👉 End-to-End Encryption with TagSpaces and Cryptomator

✅ Advantages

  • Protects your data and tags with strong encryption
  • Compatible with most cloud and object storage services

⚠️ Drawbacks

  • Slightly slower file access due to encryption overhead

Backing up your data​

Whether you use local or cloud storage, regular backups are essential. Open-source tools like Plakar or Restic can automate backups to a variety of destinations:

  • Cloud services (Dropbox, S3, R2, etc.)
  • Network folders
  • Local drives
tip

Always back up both your files and the sidecar files (located in the .ts folders) — they contain TagSpaces-specific metadata.

Conclusion​

TagSpaces gives you the freedom to organize and tag files your way, across all your devices and platforms. Because your tags are stored with your files — not locked inside a database — you can freely choose your preferred sync, sharing, and storage strategy.

Whether you use Dropbox, Syncthing, your NAS, or a self-hosted S3 service, TagSpaces adapts to your workflow — empowering you to collaborate privately, flexibly, and without losing control of your data.

TagSpaces: organize everywhere, own your data.